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In this episode of Badass Women in Business, hosts Aggie and Cristy sit down with Vicky Demas, the CEO of Identifeye Health (formerly Tesseract Health). Vicky brings over 20 years of experience in healthcare, leading teams, and launching innovative products. She shares how Identifeye Health leverages AI to revolutionize diagnostic tools, starting with retinal imaging to combat diabetic retinopathy—a disease that could lead to preventable blindness.

Before joining Identifeye Health, Vicky was a product lead at GRAIL, where she contributed to the development of the Galleri multi-cancer early detection test. Prior to that, she was one of the first five founding members of Google Life Sciences, now Verily, where she led groundbreaking projects in medical diagnostics and devices. With over 20 patents to her name and a Ph.D. from UC Berkeley, Vicky has been a pioneer in using AI to solve complex healthcare challenges.

Vicky opens up about the challenges of being a female entrepreneur in a male-dominated field, the loneliness of leadership, and how grit, continuous learning, and adaptability have fueled her journey. She talks about the critical mission of Identifeye Health—making diabetic retinopathy screening more accessible—and shares advice on navigating the healthcare tech space, building strong teams, and thriving as a woman in STEM.

Vicky’s story also touches on her personal journey, from moving to the U.S. from Greece as a young engineer to leading a cutting-edge startup backed by $80 million in venture funding. Her insights into how AI can reshape diagnostics and her take on the future of women in STEM make this episode an inspiring listen for aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders.

Connect With Vicky:
Identifeye Health
LinkedIn

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In this episode of the Badass Women in Business Podcast, Aggie and Cristy sit down with Alex Batdorf, founder of Get Sh!t Done, to discuss the importance of community in entrepreneurship. Alex opens up about her journey, starting and scaling businesses since she was 19, and how her experiences have shaped her mission to support women entrepreneurs in building businesses that truly align with their vision.

Throughout the episode, Alex emphasizes the idea that success is not achieved alone, challenging the "hero's journey" narrative and stressing that entrepreneurship, like life, is better done in collaboration. She touches on the importance of getting support at every stage, debunking the myth of the lone wolf in business.

The conversation also delves into the realities of venture capital, the need for businesses to bootstrap and validate their ideas before seeking funding, and how to scale in a smart, sustainable way. Alex shares her practical insights on how women can navigate these challenges while staying true to their purpose.

Alex’s key advice? Success is never built in silos—community and alignment are essential for creating long-term impact in business.

You can learn more about Alex and Get Sh!t Done by visiting getshitdone.co or following her on social media.

This episode offers valuable insights for anyone looking to build a business in a way that’s authentic, impactful, and connected to a larger community.

Key Topics Covered:

• Alex’s Entrepreneurial Journey
• Building Businesses with Community
• The Truth About Venture Capital
• Bootstrapping and Business Validation
• The Power of Alignment in Business

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In this episode of the Badass Women in Business Podcast, Aggie and Cristy sit down with Laura Williams, the founder of In Sync Media, a marketing agency in Western Colorado. Laura shares her journey from working in graphic design and copywriting to becoming an unexpected business owner. Her story is rooted in her personal experiences as a wife and mother, navigating the unique challenges of a law enforcement and military family while building her business.

Laura talks candidly about the impact of AI on her industry, reflecting on her initial concerns about AI taking over jobs. She quickly realized, though, that while AI can provide tools, it can’t replace the expertise and judgment that human professionals bring to the table. Laura highlights the importance of knowing how to use AI effectively, without losing the personal touch that clients still rely on.

The discussion also covers Laura’s upbringing in a strict fundamentalist Christian environment, which she compares to a cult. She explains how these early experiences shaped her entrepreneurial spirit and her determination to create a meaningful life outside of those constraints.

Laura’s key advice for entrepreneurs? Go to therapy. She emphasizes the importance of mental health in sustaining a business and making a positive impact on others.

You can connect with Laura on social media @InSyncMediaTeam (Facebook, TikTok, Instagram) or visit her website at insync.media. She also offers resources for those interested in learning more about AI in business, including workshop recordings available upon request.

This episode offers a thoughtful look at the balance between personal growth, entrepreneurship, and the evolving role of AI in business. It’s a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate these challenges with intention and clarity.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Laura’s Entrepreneurial Journey
2. Balancing Family and Business
3. The Role of AI in Business
4. Impact of Fundamentalist Upbringing
5. Mental Health and Entrepreneurship
6. Practical AI Tips

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In this episode of the Badass Women in Business Podcast, hosts Cristy and Aggie welcome Nicole Drew, the founder and CEO of Rater, a dating app focused on safety and authenticity. Nicole shares her personal story of being scammed on a dating app and how this experience led her to create Rater. She talks about the challenges she faced in the early stages of development, including finding the right developer and funding the project.

Nicole discusses the unique features of Rater, including a star rating verification system, criminal checks, and ID verification to ensure user safety. She also highlights the importance of in-real-life (IRL) connections, mentioning the success of Rater's mixer events, which provide singles a chance to meet in person.

Nicole shares her journey from being a first-time founder to becoming a CEO, emphasizing the importance of networking, perseverance, and having a supportive team. She also offers advice to aspiring entrepreneurs on how to get started and overcome fear.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of creating a safe and authentic dating platform.
• The value of networking and seeking industry-specific advice and referrals.
• Perseverance and confidence are crucial for overcoming challenges and achieving entrepreneurial success.

Contact Information:

• Rater App: Available on Google Play and Apple Store
• Website: Rater's Website
• Instagram

Closing:

Thank you for listening to the Badass Women in Business Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on your favorite streaming app. Catch you on the next episode!

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Gayle Jennings-O'Byrne, CEO of Wocstar Capital and co-founder of the Wocstar Fund, joins the podcast to discuss her journey into investing, the importance of storytelling, and the necessity for women to invest in and support each other. She shares how her venture capital firm focuses on women of color tech entrepreneurs, known as "Wocstars," and how her experiences shaped her approach to raising capital and supporting diverse startups.

Gayle emphasizes the significance of storytelling in connecting with investors and building human relationships. She explains how Wocstar Academy trains women on how to raise capital and tell their stories effectively. The discussion highlights the critical role of diversity in funding and the power of oral tradition in society.

The conversation also covers practical ways women can support each other, such as intentional shopping with female-owned businesses, providing referrals, and writing checks, no matter the amount. Gayle's insights into creating value and joy in entrepreneurship provide valuable advice for business owners at any stage.

Other links:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wocstar/

Takeaways:

• The importance of investing in women of color and diverse startup teams.
• The power of storytelling in connecting with investors and building relationships.
• The need for women to invest in and support each other, both financially and through intentional purchasing and referrals.
• The impact of diversity in funding and the significance of oral tradition in building societies and civilizations.
• The value of intentional support for women-owned businesses and the role of women in technology.
• Intentional shopping with female-owned businesses can drive positive change.
• Collaboration and support are essential for growth and success in business.
• Wocstar Academy offers valuable resources and support for entrepreneurs.
• Diversity and a diverse entourage are crucial for success in business.
• Creating value and joy in entrepreneurship is essential for sustainable growth.

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In this episode, we sit down with Liz Owens, the dynamic founder of Worthy AF, an apparel brand that empowers and celebrates unconventional women.

Liz opens up about her journey from battling low self-esteem and imposter syndrome to confidently creating her brand. She delves into the importance of community, taking small steps, and being unapologetically herself. Liz also shares her vision for Worthy AF, which includes building an online community and highlighting the stories of women who resonate with her brand.

This episode is packed with personal growth insights, lessons from mistakes, and the crucial role of failure in success. If you’ve ever felt out of place or doubted your value, Liz’s story will resonate deeply.

Takeaways:

• Start your side hustle with print-on-demand to manage costs and focus on what truly matters.
• Surround yourself with a supportive community for advice and encouragement.
• Keep an eye on your finances to ensure long-term success.
• Push past imposter syndrome by taking risks and promoting your brand with confidence.
• Collaborate and build partnerships to help your business grow.
• Embrace your worth and be unapologetically yourself.
• Building a brand takes time and dedication, but it's worth it.
• Community and support are key to personal growth and success.
• Learn from failure and use it as a stepping stone to success.
• Don’t wait for everything to be perfect before you start.

Worthy AF Facebook
Worthy AF Insta

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Podcast Summary:

In this episode of the Badass Women in Business Podcast, hosts Aggie and Cristy welcome Valerie Chan, a PR expert and founder of Platform, a public relations firm. The discussion centers on the importance of storytelling in increasing a company's valuation and preparing for potential acquisitions. Valerie shares insights on the role of storytelling in highly regulated industries, the impact of PR during economic shifts, and her personal journey from practicing law to running a successful PR firm. The conversation also touches on diversity in corporate success, Valerie's Oxford talk on the subject, and her newly released book, "The Ultimate Self-Help Guide for the Child of an Asian Tiger Mom."

Show Notes:

Hosts: Aggie and Cristy

Guest: Valerie Chan, Founder of Platform

Topics Covered:

1. Importance of Storytelling in Business:
   • How storytelling helps in selling a company for its desired valuation.
   • Crafting a story arc and go-to-market strategy based on future goals.
2. PR in Highly Regulated Industries:
   • Challenges and strategies for PR in fintech, legal tech, and insure tech.
   • Examples of successful storytelling in these industries.
3. Economic Impact on Marketing:
   • Changes in marketing and PR strategies during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
   • Client budget reallocations and the focus on ROI in marketing efforts.
4. Valerie's Career Journey:
   • Transition from PR to law and back to PR.
   • Experiences and lessons learned from litigation and working in-house.
5. Diversity and Corporate Success:
   • Valerie's Oxford talk on the critical role of diversity in business.
   • The importance of change management principles in promoting diversity.
6. Valerie's Book:
   • "The Ultimate Self-Help Guide for the Child of an Asian Tiger Mom" by Victoria Ha.
   • Insights into balancing personal identity with cultural expectations.
7. Personal Reflections:
   • Cultural upbringing and its impact on personal and professional life.
   • The importance of self-recognition and validation in achieving success.

Key Quotes:

• "The art of storytelling is super important and ultimately going to actually help sell a company for the dollars that they want to get."
• "Understanding who you want to be in five years and three years allows you to craft a story arc and fit in a go-to-market strategy."

Connect with Valerie:

• LinkedIn: Valerie Chan
• Website: https://plat4orm.com/

Closing Notes:

• Rate and review the podcast on your favorite streaming app.
• Stay tuned for more insightful episodes featuring badass women in business.

Thank you for tuning in to the Badass Women

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Episode Summary:

In this episode, Valerie Tyson, head of strategy for the Unrivaled Group, shares her inspiring journey in sports marketing and her passion for championing women in business. Valerie discusses the importance of authenticity and staying true to oneself, emphasizing the need for women to support and uplift each other. She recounts her transition from working for a large agency to founding her own marketing agency, detailing the challenges she faced as an entrepreneur. Valerie highlights the significance of being the best teammate, putting in extra effort, and building a personal board of directors for guidance and support.

Valerie also reflects on the fear that held her back and the crucial need for resources and support for women in business, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. She shares the power of gratitude and maintaining a neutral mindset to attract positive opportunities. Valerie encourages business owners to set their own bar for tolerance and not be afraid to let go of clients or employees who are not a good fit.

Takeaways:

• Authenticity and staying true to oneself are key to achieving success in business.
• Women need to support and uplift each other to overcome challenges in male-dominated industries.
• Entrepreneurs have the responsibility to care for employees and make impactful decisions.
• Extra effort and being the best teammate can lead to success.
• Build a personal board of directors for guidance and support.
• Seek help and resources, especially during crises.
• Practice gratitude and maintain a neutral mindset to attract positive opportunities.
• Set your own bar for tolerance and let go of clients or employees who are not a good fit.

Sound Bites:

• "It's not a moment, it's a movement and the time is now."
• "If the baby's ugly, the baby's ugly. Let's talk about what parts aren't working and let's fix it."
• "I'm not for everybody."
• "Every woman should build a personal board of directors."
• "There's nothing harder in the world than starting something from nothing."
• "If I had had those resources earlier in my entrepreneur life, I think I could have provided a steadier place for myself and for everyone involved."

Valerie Tyson founded the marketing agency Strategic Playground in 2018, which became Unrivaled Group in 2021. As a proven brand strategy expert, she has worked with Fortune 1000 companies, sports leagues, teams, professional athletes, and entertainment properties, including the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats and the Arena Football League’s Los Angeles Avengers. Before starting her own agency, she held leadership roles at IMG, BRANDTHINK, and Tocquigny. Now, she leads strategy and sports at the female-led, software-driven Unrivaled Group.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unrivaledgroup/

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